The Most Controversial F1 Title Deciders: 1990 Japan, 2021 Abu Dhabi and More

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Unforgettable F1 Title Deciders

F1 has had its fair share of dramatic and controversial championship finales, some of which have left fans and drivers in disbelief. From on-track clashes to questionable decisions by race control, these moments have shaped the history of the sport. Here are some of the most infamous title deciders.

6. 1964 Mexican GP – Hill vs Bandini


Where: Mexico City
Who: Graham Hill and Lorenzo Bandini
Champion: John Surtees

This race is often debated due to the lack of footage, but it's clear that a clash between two title contenders influenced the outcome. Three drivers were in contention for the 1964 crown: BRM’s Graham Hill, Ferrari’s John Surtees, and Lotus’s Jim Clark. Injection problems hampered Surtees early on, while Clark took the lead. Surtees eventually caught up with his team-mate Lorenzo Bandini and Hill, leading to a collision that knocked Hill out of contention. Clark was still leading when an oil line broke, allowing Dan Gurney to take the lead. Bandini helped Surtees win by a single point, securing the championship.

5. 1989 Japanese GP – Prost vs Senna


Where: Suzuka
Who: Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna
Champion: Alain Prost

This race was critical for Senna to stay in the title hunt at the Adelaide finale. Senna qualified ahead of Prost by a significant margin, but Prost made a strong start. Senna closed the gap and attempted a pass into the chicane, resulting in a collision. Although Senna was excluded for bypassing the chicane, he managed to win the race and secure the title. Prost ultimately won the championship after the incident.

4. 1994 Australian GP – Schumacher vs Hill


Where: Adelaide
Who: Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill
Champion: Michael Schumacher

The 1994 season was filled with controversy, including Senna’s tragic death. In the final round, Hill had narrowed the gap to one point. Mansell led the race initially, but Schumacher and Hill overtook him. On lap 36, Schumacher hit the wall, and Hill tried to pass, resulting in another collision. Schumacher won the championship, while Mansell secured a victory in his final race with Williams.

3. 1997 European GP – Schumacher vs Villeneuve


Where: Jerez
Who: Michael Schumacher vs Jacques Villeneuve
Champion: Jacques Villeneuve

This race was a winner-takes-all showdown. Villeneuve started on pole, but Schumacher took the lead. On lap 48, Villeneuve attempted a pass, resulting in a collision that sent Schumacher into the gravel. Villeneuve went on to win the race and the championship, while Schumacher was excluded from the title.

2. 2021 Abu Dhabi GP – Hamilton vs Verstappen (and race control)


Where: Yas Marina
Who: Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Champion: Max Verstappen

This race was more about how it was run rather than the driving. Hamilton led the race until a safety car period allowed Verstappen to pit and gain an advantage. The race restarted with a one-lap shootout, which Verstappen won. The decision sparked controversy, with many questioning the fairness of the race management.

1. 1990 Japanese GP – Prost vs Senna


Where: Suzuka
Who: Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost
Champion: Ayrton Senna

This race was the penultimate round of the 1990 season. Senna needed to win to stand a chance of defeating Prost at the Adelaide finale. Senna qualified on pole, but Prost got a better start. Senna attempted a risky move into the first corner, resulting in a collision that ended both their races. Senna went on to win the championship, while Prost finished second.

Outside F1 Controversies

The drama wasn’t limited to F1. Other motorsport series have also seen controversial title deciders.

1976 BP Formula 3 Championship

Rupert Keegan built a strong lead, but Bruno Giacomelli needed to win the final round to overtake him. Both collided in the opening lap, leaving Keegan as champion.

1982 RAC Formula Ford 1600 Championship

Julian Bailey needed to finish second to win the title. His rival, Mauricio Gugelmin, punted him off the track, and no action was taken against Gugelmin, who became champion.

1996 Formula 3000 Showdown

Kenny Brack needed to beat Jorg Muller to win the title. A collision occurred, and Brack continued without penalty, though he was later stripped of his victory.

1992 British Touring Car Championship

Tim Harvey won the title after a collision involving his teammate Steve Soper and John Cleland. Both were eliminated, and Harvey secured the championship.

1999 German Super Touring Fight

Christian Abt led Uwe Alzen in the final lap, but Alzen’s team-mate Roland Asch caused a collision, leading to a controversial result.

1987 DTM Finale

Michael Schumacher crashed into Johnny Cecotto, allowing Hans Stuck to win the championship.

2016 Formula E Decider

Lucas di Grassi and Sebastien Buemi were tied in points. Di Grassi collided with Buemi on the first lap, but Buemi eventually won the title.




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